Salinas police make arrest in May hit-and-run

SALINAS >> A woman suspected of killing a pedestrian in a May hit-and-run was arrested Tuesday and booked into Monterey County Jail.

Julia Ryan, 25, was arrested Tuesday after a two-and-a-half-month investigation led Salinas police detectives to conclude she was behind the wheel of a 2003 Chevy Silverado May 29. At about 8:45 p.m. on that day, Michele Lightcap was walking on the south sidewalk of West Blanco Road, and as she crossed the street northbound, she was struck by the red pickup truck. The suspect fled the scene and Lightcap, 44, was taken by ambulance to Natividad Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. The vehicle was reported stolen a couple of hours later, and was eventually recovered near Highway 101 and Madeira Ave. Evidence left at the scene helped investigators conclude the car was involved in the hit-and-run.

Ryan was found in possession of heroin, methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia during her arrest. She was also found to have several outstanding arrest warrants including a warrant for failing to appear on an arrest for driving under the influence of drugs. Ryan is an acquaintance of the owner of the truck.

Ryan was booked into Monterey County Jail for vehicular manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter and fleeing the scene, hit and run causing death, failure to report hit and run with death, driving on a suspended license, possession of heroin, possession of methamphetamines, possession of paraphernalia and multiple outstanding arrest warrants.